Technology
Research and development is essential in order to acquire the necessary knowledge on which to build future success. We identify key technologies and processes which, while applied initially in just one area of our business, can then be utilised in other applications; we aim to 'create once, use many times'. The core modules of our three-shaft gas turbines and many of our automated design systems exemplify this principle and are in use across all our business sectors having been initially developed for aerospace applications.

We are investing further in advanced electrical systems and diagnostic technologies. These will enable us to offer enhanced reliability and greater flexibility of operation in electrical power - whether in the air, at sea or on land.

The marine business offers excellent opportunities to exploit the gas turbine technology originally developed for aerospace applications. Computational fluid dynamics tools and capabilities, developed for aerospace, are now being applied to marine propulsor design.

The advanced electrical engineering technologies we have developed through our marine systems activities will be applied in the demonstration of the first 'more electric' large civil aero engine in 2003. This technology will deliver increased reliability and efficiency to operators with associated reductions in operating costs.

Artificial intelligence fitted to the health monitoring systems on the Trent 500 is providing real-time information for engine management and maintenance planning, resulting in more reliable operation. This system, developed with Oxford University, is now being evaluated for the Trent industrial and marine powerplants.

We continue to attach a high priority to minimising the environmental impact of our products. Improvement programmes aimed at reducing noise and emissions are being applied across the businesses. A significant part of our long-term research and development programme is centred on sustainable energy technologies, including high-efficiency fuel cell/gas turbine hybrids and the evaluation of alternative fuels for land-based gas turbines.

The effectiveness of our research and development is underpinned by the involvement of collaborators, partners and suppliers. Increasingly, our key partners are becoming involved in our long-term research programmes, as are universities around the world which work with us on new technologies.